38 Surf Trips. 96 Athlete Experiences. One Incredible Summer on Lake Tahoe.
Another summer of unforgettable moments, personal milestones, and endless stoke is in the books! The 2026 High Fives Foundation Adaptive Wake Surf Tahoe Program, proudly sponsored by SWIFT, wrapped up its third season of bringing adaptive athletes onto the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe. From first-time riders discovering the feeling of catching a wave to returning athletes mastering new tricks, this season was all about progression, possibility, and the power of community.
And the numbers tell an incredible story.
Every session represented more than time on the water. It was an opportunity to build confidence, discover new abilities, strengthen friendships, and experience the freedom of adaptive sports.
More Than Just a Boat Ride
For High Fives athlete Jarred Evans, getting out on Lake Tahoe is an experience that never gets old.
“Anytime I get the chance to go for a boat ride on beautiful Lake Tahoe, it’s a special moment. But getting out there and wake surfing on that crystal-clear water? That’s something truly AMAZING! Life is all about moments like these!”
— Jarred Evans, High Fives Athlete
Those moments are exactly what the Adaptive Wake Surf Tahoe Program is all about. Whether it’s the excitement of catching a first wave, the encouragement from fellow athletes, or simply enjoying a beautiful Tahoe day together, the experiences extend far beyond the boat.
Now in its third season, the Adaptive Wake Surf Tahoe Program continues to expand access to wake surfing for individuals with life-changing injuries. The program welcomes athletes with a wide range of injuries and conditions, including spinal cord injuries, limb loss, traumatic brain injuries, arthrogryposis, and other mobility-limiting disabilities. No two athletes are the same, which is why every session is customized to meet individual goals and abilities.
For some, success means getting onto a board for the very first time. For others, it’s riding independently, trying a new board, or landing a trick they’ve been working toward all summer.
Lawrence Green reflects on the progression and the community that make the program so meaningful:
“High Fives expanding access to wake surfing for adaptive athletes on the most beautiful lake in the world, Lake Tahoe, is something truly special. Going from learning how to surf to riding different boards and learning new tricks has been an incredible progression, but my favorite part will always be sharing those experiences with other athletes and the High Fives Ohana. After all, whatever you do in this life, it’s not legendary unless your friends are there to see it!”
— Lawrence Green
That sense of community is at the heart of every High Fives program. It’s not just about what athletes accomplish individually, but about the people cheering them on along the way.
The Right Equipment Makes Waves
Adaptive wake surfing is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Finding the right equipment and setup is essential to helping each athlete feel comfortable, confident, and successful on the water.
Throughout the 2026 season, athletes utilized a variety of specialized equipment, including adaptive wake surf boards, wave skis, and prone boards.
Thanks to continued partnerships with Soulcraft and Macski, these adaptive setups continue to evolve, creating more opportunities for athletes to explore different riding styles and advance their skills.
And, of course, there’s the boat!
The MasterCraft XSTAR 25 delivers an incredible, customizable wave, allowing instructors to adjust conditions for everyone from complete beginners to experienced adaptive surfers. With the right equipment, knowledgeable instructors, and a supportive crew, athletes can focus on what matters most…having fun and catching waves.
High Fives to an Incredible Season!
As we celebrate another successful season of Adaptive Wake Surf Tahoe, we’re reminded that the true impact of this program goes far beyond the numbers.
It’s found in the friendships built on the boat, the confidence gained on the water, and the unforgettable memories created along the shores of Lake Tahoe.
A huge HIGH FIVE to our program sponsor SWIFT, our equipment partners Soulcraft and Macski, MasterCraft, and the incredible athletes, instructors, volunteers, and supporters who helped make this season possible.
Together, we’re continuing to break down barriers, expand access to adaptive sports, and prove that adventure is for everyone. Here’s to more waves, more progression, and more unforgettable moments in 2027!
HIGH FIVE!
